a touch of malice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of malice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or subtle hint of ill will or spite in someone's actions or words. Example: "Her smile had a touch of malice, suggesting she enjoyed the misfortune of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a love scene in "Private Confessions" we see, in the play of passion on Pernille August's face and in her glittering eyes, not just delight, surprise, the flush of ecstasy, but a touch of malice as well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In reality Waugh set out freely after a night in Christie's company; but reality was always too meagre for the writer's liking, and he made it the business of his fiction to think along paths not taken — to wonder just how infernally, with a little help from mischance and a touch of sunstruck malice, life might have turned out.

The New Yorker

In reality Waugh set out freely after a night in Christie's company; but reality was always too meagre for the writer's liking, and he made it the business of his fiction to think along paths not taken to wonder just how infernally, with a little help from mischance and a touch of sunstruck malice, life might have turned out.

The New Yorker

Through her moral balance and literary expertise, an untouchable subject becomes comprehensible, at times even funny: the correspondence between Father Rog and his beleaguered friend Bishop Pip outdoes Muriel Spark and Evelyn Waugh in high Catholic comedy, yet has no touch of malice or frivolity.

The Guardian - Books

There was a hint of malice in her outwardly game response.

The New Yorker

"I don't like McDonald's," Alberto adds, a hint of malice in his tone.

Vice

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

And a touch of frustration.

The New York Times

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

A Touch of The Grape.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of malice" to subtly hint at underlying negativity or ill intent, rather than stating it outright. This adds nuance and complexity to your writing, allowing readers to infer the character's motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of malice" too frequently. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms or alternative phrasings to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of malice" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an abstract noun, used as an object or complement. It describes a subtle quality or characteristic, often in relation to someone's behavior or expression. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying actions or expressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a touch of malice" is a grammatically sound and subtle way to suggest a hint of ill will or spite. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in written English to add nuance when describing actions or expressions. While not overly common, this expression appears in reputable sources, mainly news and media, and can enhance your writing by implying underlying negativity without stating it outright. Remember to use it sparingly to maintain its impact and consider related phrases like "a hint of spite" or "a shade of malevolence" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of spite

Replaces "malice" with "spite", suggesting a slightly petty or ill-tempered feeling.

a shade of malevolence

Substitutes "touch" with "shade" and "malice" with "malevolence", indicating a darker and more ominous hint of evil intent.

a whisper of vindictiveness

Replaces "touch" with "whisper" and "malice" with "vindictiveness", suggesting a quiet, vengeful undercurrent.

a suggestion of animosity

Substitutes "touch" with "suggestion" and "malice" with "animosity", indicating a feeling of strong dislike or hostility.

a dash of cynicism

Replaces "malice" with "cynicism", implying a distrustful or pessimistic outlook tinged with negativity.

a tinge of bitterness

Substitutes "malice" with "bitterness", suggesting a resentful or acrimonious quality.

a note of acrimony

Replaces "touch" with "note" and "malice" with "acrimony", indicating bitterness and sharpness in tone or behavior.

a sliver of resentment

Substitutes "touch" with "sliver" and "malice" with "resentment", suggesting a small amount of indignation or displeasure.

an undercurrent of hostility

Replaces "touch" with "undercurrent" and "malice" with "hostility", indicating a hidden feeling of opposition or antagonism.

a streak of viciousness

Substitutes "touch" with "streak" and "malice" with "viciousness", suggesting a more pronounced and aggressive inclination toward cruelty.

FAQs

How can I use "a touch of malice" in a sentence?

You can use "a touch of malice" to describe a subtle hint of ill will or spite in someone's actions or words. For example, "Her smile had "a touch of malice", suggesting she enjoyed the misfortune of others."

What are some synonyms for "a touch of malice"?

Some synonyms include "a hint of spite", "a shade of malevolence", or "a whisper of vindictiveness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a touch of malice" and "a hint of malice"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "touch" can imply a more deliberate or intentional action, whereas "hint" suggests something more subtle and unintentional. Therefore, "a touch of malice" implies a slightly more active role in showing the ill will.

Is it appropriate to use "a touch of malice" in formal writing?

Yes, "a touch of malice" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing character motivations or subtle interpersonal dynamics. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.